By Asian Journal Auto Editor
At a recent press conference in Vancouver Mazda showcased new improvements to its excellent CX-9 SUV. Aimed squarely at further advancing the CX-9 as a high-end model to satisfy customers who demand even greater levels of refinement and quality. By insisting on a more sophisticated feel in every area, further enhancing safety performance and refining the luxurious comfort all occupants enjoy, Mazda has made the updated CX-9 a more perfect embodiment of the company’s unique values.
Major changes include: The updated Mazda Connect system in the 2019 CX-9 now supports Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. Google Apps are also supported with Show “Ok Google” used for Google Maps, Google Play Music, media, and messaging apps in the car. You can also listen to Apple Music, and get directions with Apple Maps with your voice through Siri. In addition to the latest software version of Mazda Connect., the CX-9 will also receive a more powerful, faster charging 2.1-amp USB port to help power the connection with these new features. Making the Mazda Connect integration unique is the use of Mazda’s Commander Knob and buttons that ease the ability to switch between different user interfaces and manage the different capabilities. The integration adheres to Mazda’s Heads-Up Cockpit philosophy and was designed to help lessen cognitive distraction and even allow users to perform native functions and smartphone based functions such as listening to terrestrial radio while simultaneously using a compatible phone-based navigation app.
In addition to the satellite radio reception currently available, customers can access new SiriusXM Traffic Plus and Travel Link data services which provides information such as live traffic, location and prices of nearby gas stations, and up-to-the-minute weather updates and sports scores. A 360° View Monitor utilizing four cameras to show the area around the car, on the center display is available on GT and Signature models. GT and Signature models feature an available seven-inch TFT LCD display that can show a variety of information has been incorporated into the center of the meter. The available new frameless rear-view mirror eliminates thick edge molding, a simpler design that contributes to a tidier interior look, while facilitating the driver’s rear vision with its expanded field of view. The LED downlight on the overhead console optimizes light distribution to give the interior a more refined atmosphere. Improvements made to the suspension system. Advances in Safety Seatbelt reminders for second and third rows Seatbelt reminders were available only for the front seats in the previous model, but the updated CX-9 features them on the second and third-row seats too. Prompting passengers in the rear seats to fasten their seatbelts contributes to improved safety
The updated CX-9 features a seven-inch TFT LCD display located in the center of the meter cluster. By displaying a variety of information directly in the driver’s line of sight, it reduces the amount of eye movement required and improves readability. The information displayed in the center meter can change to suit the needs of the moment, and when using Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), the set speed limit can be displayed within the analog speedometer dial. 1 Regular status indicators appear in the lower center portion of the meter, a layout that visually distinguishes them from warning alerts and makes it easier for the driver to recognize information that indicates some sort of problem.
Four cameras on the front, sides and rear of the vehicle show the area around the car on a central display. In conjunction with eight parking sensors at the front and rear that detect proximity to obstacles and trigger an alarm when necessary, the system helps the driver perceive obstacles they cannot see. By allowing the driver to see into blind spots and check the distance to obstacles visually, the system can be very helpful when pulling into or out of parking spaces, when entering T junctions with poor visibility, when passing oncoming traffic on narrow roads and in various similar situations. In the case of entering or exiting a parking space, for instance, the central display shows the near view in front of or behind the vehicle, together with a separate overhead view. When the driver wants only a front or rear view, wide-angle cameras mounted at either end of the vehicle can provide a 177° view of the road up to 25 meters in both directions. After the cameras have been activated, drivers can select from different views and view combinations using the touch screen or commander control.
The new 2019 Mazda CX-9 is on sale now. More info at www.mazda.ca
